April 2010

Bruce Kulick
Wielding Power on bk3
On his new album, the former Kiss guitarist raises the bar and offers songs diverse in terms of style, tone, and personnel. And to make it, he used an arsenal of vintage treasures, including his beloved ’53 Gibson Les Paul. By Lisa Sharken

The Rickenbacher M11
The name “Rickenbacker” conjures images of John Lennon’s 325, George Harrison’s 360/12, or Pete Townshend’s smashed guitars. Probe Rick’s earlier history, however, and you find a company at the forefront of electrification and amplification. By Dave Hunter

Martin 0-42
Through the years, Martin’s dreadnought, OM, and 000 guitars may have gained the most notoriety. But for the sweetest and best-quality sound, Martin itself recommends the size 0, exemplified by this 0-42. By George Gruhn and Walter Carter

Fender Amps, by the Number
The sixth installment in a series inspired by a “call to action” from the mid ’90s, the author tracks the serial numbers of Fender tube amps made between 1946 and 1984. By Greg Gagliano

The Applause by Ovation
The word “budget” has been part of its identity from the very beginning. But the Applause, conceived circa 1973, was also something entirely new to the guitar world. By Michael Wright

Black Holes in the SkySyd Barrett, Pink Floyd’s Psychedelic Avatar
After guiding Pink Floyd to early acclaim, he was dismissed from the band. Then, in June, 1975, he appeared outside the studio where the band was mixing “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” – a song with lyrics written in tribute to him. By Pete Prown

The Mosrite Standel
Though labeled “Standel,” this guitar is a rare example of one built for another company by Semie Moseley’s Mosrite. By Willie G. Moseley